DOE to install solar power systems in Lanao del Sur hospitals

The Department of Energy (DOE) is rolling out rooftop solar systems with battery storage in four public health facilities in Lanao del Sur. This is meant to ensure reliable power for essential medical services.

Under the project, a combined 170 kilowatt-peak (kWp) of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity with battery storage will be installed across Tamparan Provincial Hospital, Provincial Infirmary in Marawi City, Wao District Hospital and Serapio B. Montañer Jr. Al-Haj Memorial Hospital in Malabang.

Tamparan Provincial Hospital will receive a 40-kWp system paired with 140 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery storage. Meanwhile, the Provincial Infirmary in Marawi City will be equipped with 30 kWp of solar PV and 60 kWh of storage.

Wao District Hospital and the Malabang hospital will each have 50 kWp of solar PV, supported by 100 kWh of battery storage per facility.

The project will be led by DOE and implemented under the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: Access to Climate Security and Health Services (RE3ACHS) project.

RE3ACHS is being carried out in partnership with the United Nations Development Program, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao–Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, with support from the Government of Japan.

The four solar PV installations are valued at about P33 million.

RE3ACHS forms part of the Japan Supplementary Budget 2024 Climate Promise Global Initiative. This is supported by a $1.3-million grant from the Government of Japan for the broader program.

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The DOE said the installations are expected to reduce the hospitals’ dependence on diesel generators.

This will support more stable and least-cost operations for critical functions, such as lighting, cooling and ventilation, cold-chain and refrigeration systems, diagnostics and other essential medical equipment.

Energy Undersecretary Mario C. Marasigan underscored the importance of reliable electricity in healt hcare, particularly during weather-related disruptions and emergency situations.

“Hospitals require electricity around the clock to run cooling systems, lighting, and critical medical equipment,” Marasigan said.